Preventive maintenance is essential and the most convenient way to prevent your truck from breaking down. Ensuring your truck is reliable is one of the methods of keeping it affordable. It is thus essential to perform breakdown preventive maintenance for your truck. After reading this guide, you will understand the primary areas worth performing breakdown preventive maintenance.
Tires
25% of truck problems result from tire issues. Here is how to prevent such problems before going on a trip.
Check tire pressure
Tire pressure determines the rate at which your truck consumes fuel and the lifespan of your tire. When you look at the owner’s manual, you will see the correct tire pressure. If your truck is model 2003 onwards, the information regarding your tire pressure is on a placard at the doorjamb on the driver’s side.
Check Tire Wear
Cracks and damaged treads are some common signs of bad tire wear. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends that the depth of a steer tire should be 4/32. The commercial vehicle safety authority further advises that you can replace your tires once the tread depth is less than 2/32.
The Brakes
The braking system is another area worth performing preventive maintenance. Brake shoes and pads are exposed to much pressure that wears them out. You will feel some signs, such as squealing sounds, when your brake pads are worn out. Before going for any trip, ensure your brake pads and shoes are in good working condition.
The brake fluid is prone to leakages. If you note leakages below your truck, consider checking for the cause and fixing it. Sometimes it is tricky to fix braking issues, so taking your truck for a mechanical check-up is essential.
The Electrical System
The electrical system is another area that can kill or reduce the performance of your truck. These are the areas worth checking.
The Battery
Ensure your battery is working perfectly, and ensure your battery is fully charged as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. A faulty battery can damage your engine’s vital parts and make it difficult to start your truck.
Cables and Wires
Ensure the cables and wires are free from corrosion and have a secure and fastened connection. Doing this will prevent electric short and other major failures related to the electrical system.
Oil and the Cooling System
Oil and cooling systems are essential fluids that help in cooling and lubricating your engine. Ensure to keep and track your service records. Doing this will let you know when you serviced these fluids and the next time you should service them.
Oil
It is essential to change your oil after 10,000 miles and regularly check the condition of your engine oil. Consult a professional who will do an assessment and tell you how your engine is burning oil.
Coolant
Different engines require different coolants, so ensure your truck engine uses the right coolant. Doing this will let the cooling system work efficiently.
Conclusion
Breakdown maintenance aims at preventing your truck from breaking down. Such kind of maintenance servicing focuses on specific areas. When such areas are in good working condition, your truck will give you the best performance. Consider practicing breakdown preventive maintenance to boost the reliability of your truck.